Royal Fire Company No. 14, Harrisburg

The Royal Fire Company No. 14 was formed shortly after the area east of the city was annexed to the city. Named after John K. Royal, Mayor of Harrisburg, the Royals started in an old repair shop to the rear of the Flatiron Building at Shellis Street near 19th Street. The company went into service to the city in July 1910. A new building, the one pictured here, was built and dedicated in October 1915 at 2048 Derry Street. In January of 1971 the city closed some of the one man stations and the Royal engine was moved to the Allison Station. The building lives on in fire service as the union hall to the local chapter of the International Association of Firefighters.

Of note, the Royals 1928 American LaFrance pumper that served them until 1949 was sold by the city to the Rescue Fire Company of Estherton, Susquhanna Township, in 1950. It was their first pumper. In 1956 the Rescue's gave it to Powell's Valley Fire Company. It served as their first pumper. Do the math, that makes that 1928 American LaFrance the first pumper for three different fire companies. Recycling is nothing new people.